BACKDevon Energy | May 28, 2020
Tools encourage science and math learning during pandemic
The Boys & Girls Club of Hobbs is temporarily closed, but that won’t stop children from stretching their imaginations. Thanks to a partnership between Devon Energy and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, third, fourth and fifth graders from the local Boys & Girls Club’s after-school program received a special science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) kit to keep at home.
The kit, Snap Circuits, teaches the principles of electronics by helping kids build exciting projects like AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells and more.
“Devon is committed to providing educational opportunities for kids in our operating areas, even during a pandemic,” said Shannon Johnson, senior community relations specialist for Devon. “These interactive STEM sets provide an exciting supplemental activity for students, and we hope it’s a great addition to their at-home learning.”
When the COVID-19 crisis is over, the Boys & Girls Club will unveil a new STEM center — also provided by Devon and the Ripken Foundation — that will allow even more exciting ways to experiment and learn.
The Ripken Foundation has installed a total of 64 centers nationwide through its STEM initiative, which aims to increase opportunities for at-risk youth pursuing higher education and careers in STEM-related fields.
Steve Salem, Ripken Foundation president and CEO, said the organization’s partnership with Devon is helping children discover important life lessons like teamwork, respect and resilience.
“Our relationship with Devon is bringing positive experiences and new learning opportunities to young people in southeastern New Mexico,” Salem said. “We’re glad to continue to provide a way for kids to spark their creativity.”
Devon and the Ripken Foundation have installed over a dozen STEM centers in Oklahoma and New Mexico.
About Devon
Devon Energy is a leading independent energy company engaged in finding and producing oil and natural gas. Based in Oklahoma City and included in the S&P 500, Devon operates in several of the most prolific oil and natural gas plays in the U.S. with an emphasis on achieving strong returns. For more information, please visit www.devonenergy.com.
About the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation
For the last 19 years, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has worked tirelessly to implement youth development programs and create parks that directly address the problems facing at-risk youth in distressed communities across the country. Inspired by one of the most iconic baseball families, the Ripkens created the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to honor the legacy of its family patriarch, longtime coach, and mentor, Cal Ripken, Sr. The Ripken Foundation uses sports-themed activities to bring police officers, youth partners and underserved kids ages 9 – 14 together on a level playing field to learn invaluable life skills.
The Ripken Foundation’s Youth Development Park Initiative creates clean, safe places for kids to play on multipurpose, synthetic surface fields that promote healthy living in an outdoor recreational facility. Since 2009, the Ripken Foundation has 93 completed parks across the country in 24 states and Washington, D.C. In 2019, the Ripken Foundation impacted over 1.5 million kids nationwide through its Youth Development Park and mentor programs. For more information, visit www.RipkenFoundation.org.